Many of us have certain habits, but when a habit turns into an act that you can’t control and affects your life, it can be a problem. Habits might include nail-biting, hair-pulling, thumb-sucking or scratching. Habits can be controlled, but they can also become addictions or obsessive compulsive disorders.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) affects adults and children. Symptoms can be visible or invisible through thoughts. Behaviour can be conscious and unconscious, obsessive and compulsive with continuous repetition. It is upsetting for the individual and often people are not sure where to turn for help or even that a counsellor or a psychotherapist can help.
OCD sufferers have a range of problems depending on the individual and the disorder or disorders. The disorder may be linked to other problems too.
Some examples of obsessive and compulsive behaviour are noted below:
- Arranging and re-arranging items
- Washing and cleaning of self and possessions
- Checking and re-checking thoughts and activities
- Repeating thoughts and words in the mind
- Repeating thoughts and words out loud
- Repeating behaviour
- Using special numbers
- Hoarding
- Avoiding certain people, activities, places, numbers
- Thoughts of harm coming to people
- Obsessive fears
